Primary aspergillosis of the lung in leukeamias

The course, radiological features and pathological changes of primary aspergillosis in four patients with acute lymphatic leukaemia are described. Two patients died despite antimycotic therapy. Breakdown of the infiltrate could not be established radiologically, nor pathologically. In a further two patients, a 'primary aspergilloma' developed during the course of several days. Both patients survived. The radiological demonstration of a fungus ball and of an air crescent in a typical aspergilloma can be regarded as a good prognostic sign. (orig.)